ReadersMagnet recommends these five heartwarming memoirs of people with disabilities.
Beyond Barriers by Anne Davey Koomans
Beyond Barriers is a heartwarming memoir about the life and journey of David “Dave” M. Davey by his wife Anne Davey Koomans. This amazing story book by Davey Koomans features her touching and extraordinary journey with his late husband, who suffered poliomyelitis when he was still a young boy. Despite his condition, Dave went to college and discovered his life’s purpose while attending Wayne State University. Dave became instrumental in changing the lives of many persons with disabilities, starting with Goodwill Industries. Dave also worked with the late Senator Bob Dole on the National Barrier-Free Architectural and Transportation Board and developing the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Beyond Barriers is both an inspirational book for people with disabilities and, at the same time, a chronicle of one woman’s unconditional love for her husband.
Unstoppable by Mr. Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic is a gifted speaker and bestselling author. His life story has inspired millions of people worldwide. Born without arms and legs, Nick Vujicic has to deal with many challenges and difficulties in life. Yet despite these, he is enjoying a beautiful journey, including a loving family, a meaningful career, and an inspiring existence. His book, Unstoppable is both a memoir and a guidebook for those who seek an empowered life. Published in 2013, Unstoppable features Vujicic’s life journey and faith and how he could find his purpose and ultimately inspired others to embrace God’s plans for every one of us. In his book, Mr. Vujicic addressed the following adversities; personal crises, relationship crises, career and job challenges, health and disability concerns, bullying, persecution, cruelty, and intolerance, and many others.
Everyday Aspergers by Samantha Craft
Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects over 37 people across the globe. It is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication. Everyday Aspergers is a 2019 creative memoir by Samantha Craft. Written in a journal type consists of 150 entries, Craft shares her life of humor, deep insights, and the daily adventures of a girl with autism. She talks to readers about how life is not ordinary for people like her and how a simple trip to a grocery store can seem like a significant feat. Yet, Samantha Craft tells her narratives with such passion and energy for life. The book features Samantha’s childhood, school years, and recent adventures. Everyday Aspergers is a memoir ten years in the making and covers many aspects of Asperger patient’s life we rarely are exposed to.
Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton
Many of us learned of Bethany Hamilton’s story from the 2011 biographical film Soul Surfer with AnnaSophia Robb playing Hamilton. The film was based on Hamilton’s 2004 memoir Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. In this story of persistence and faith, Bethany recounts how she began surfing as a child and dreams of one day becoming a professional surfer. Her life changed when a shark attacked Bethany. Although she survived, Bethany lost her left arm. Soul Surfer is an inspiring memoir of one girl’s faith in God during the attack and those dark moments after losing her arm. Bethany never gave up her dream and, when on to become a professional surfer, an author, and inspiration for many young kids to have faith and follow their dreams.
Living Beyond Shadows by Brian T. Wright
Brian Wright is a self-published author from Long Island, New York. He was born with mild cerebral palsy called Spastic Hemiparesis. The condition is characterized by muscles on one side of the body being in a constant state of contraction. In his 2012 memoir, Living Beyond Shadows, Brian shares his experiences as a person with the said condition, particularly the challenges, the doubts, and eventually how he learned to cope. Brian T. Wright credits his strong faith and positive outlook as key to his survival and living a life of gratitude. He shares his journey with other people with disabilities hoping that he may inspire them to live a life of fulfillment and faith. Living Beyond Shadows also gives us a glimpse of the life of people with Spastic Hemiparesis. Above all, it is a motivational book worth reading.